ABSTRACT- Theoretical work has highlighted the potential importance of viscosity in population structure to the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of host-parasite interactions. There is however, little empirical data with which we can test the predictions of the theory. Here, I present the results of a laboratory experiment where the viscosity of the population was manipulated. Competition intensified in more viscose populations although individual demographics were not affected. Population studies showed a lengthening of cycle periods with increasing viscosity in the absence of the parasite. With the parasite there were dramatic effects on the population dynamics in the more viscose populations. Stage-structured models were developed to help explain how the effect of reduced movement rates mediated through competition can lead to the population level effects. This is an example of how population spatial structure acts on groups of individuals leading to population level effects.

Key words: Spatial, Parasite, experimental

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